With the coronavirus stats going in the right direction, all of us at C&G Newspapers look forward to resuming publication of the St. Clair Shores Sentinel and Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle on May 27th. All other C&G newspapers will begin publishing on June 10th (Advertiser-Times on June 24th). In the meantime, continue to find local news on our website and look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

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With the coronavirus stats going in the right direction, all of us at C&G Newspapers look forward to resuming publication of the St. Clair Shores Sentinel and Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle on May 27th. All other C&G newspapers will begin publishing on June 10th (Advertiser-Times on June 24th). In the meantime, continue to find local news on our website and look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

Warren Regina softball players celebrate during an April 2 game against Farmington Hills Mercy. The Saddlelites next take the field for a doubleheader April 27 against Sterling Heights Stevenson. Game 1 is set for 11 a.m. Game 2 is slated for 1 p.m.

Decorated Regina softball coach sees potential in this year’s group

Warren Regina senior pitcher Marisa Muglia readies to deliver in an April 2 game against Farmington Hills Mercy.

Photo by Donna Agusti

WARREN — Warren Regina softball coach Diane Laffey, with six state titles on her résumé, admits that she’s surprised by how her team has started this spring.

At press time, the Saddlelites were 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the Catholic High School League Central Division. Regina has outscored opponents 54-41. The Saddlelites have scored at least 12 runs three times.

“I think when you look at the fact that we lost five starters to graduation, we’re doing pretty well,” said Laffey, who guided the team to another trip to the state semifinals in 2018. “We’re definitely hitting quite well. Our strength seems to be our hitting. We’ve hit quite a few home runs already this season.”

Leading the way at the plate for the team is a group of returning starters. That group comprises senior infielder Leah Munson, junior catcher Samantha Rhodes and sophomore infielder Miranda Nicholas. Freshman infielder Abby Hornberger is also contributing.

Regina has to get stronger in the circle, Laffey said. The Saddlelites have allowed at least eight runs in three games. Senior hurler Marisa Muglia serves as the team’s ace.

“When the weather warms up, that should help,” Laffey said. “(Muglia) is throwing very well so far, but we need other pitchers to step up.”

Getting contributions from other pitchers will be key if the Saddlelites are to achieve their goals — division and CHSL tournament titles, and a district championship.

Laffey said the team’s veterans also want to make a push to return to the state semifinals. A trip to Michigan State University would put Regina two wins away from a seventh state championship.

“It’ll be tough, but that’s one of our goals,” Laffey said. “We realize we must take it one day at a time. Our younger players will need to step up to fill the spots of those who graduated. It is hard to replace Melina Livingston, who is now in the starting lineup at Penn State.

“We do have some good young talent, and I hope we can build on that. We have a good group of players. I expect us to improve every week.”

Regina next takes the field for a doubleheader April 27 against Sterling Heights Stevenson. Game 1 is set for 11 a.m. Game 2 is slated for 1 p.m.